The Snow Queen Libretto by Marcy Telles, Music by Carol Frick Cast: NARRATOR Adult man KAI'S MOTHER Adult Woman GRANDFATHER Adult man SUN Older child TROLLS/SLEDDERS/ ROSES/SNOWFLAKES/ROBBERS Small Children (ages 7-9) KAI Older Boy CROW Older Boy GERDA Older Girl SNOW QUEEN Adult Woman SNOW GOOSE Older Boy ISLAND WOMAN Adult woman or older girl LAPP WOMAN Adult Woman or older girl REINDEER Older Boy or Girl PRINCESS Older Girl PRINCE Older Boy MICE Two small children ROBBER GIRL (MAUDE) Older Girl TROLLS/FLOWERS/RIVER SWALLOWS/HENCH-CROWS and CROWETTES/ROBBERS /WIND Middle Children (ages 10-12) Act I, Scene i [Lights come up on an empty stage, where SNOWFLAKES are swirling.] Music: SNOW QUEEN theme Percussion: cymbal [The SNOW QUEEN and TROLLS enter.] NARRATOR: For those who love warmth and sunshine, winter is the price we pay for spring. For those who love the crystal light of stars on snow, winter is its own reward. Here is a tale of both winter and spring-a little something for everyone. Our story begins with a dangerous game played by the Snow Queen's army of mischievous trolls. Their newest toy was a mirror that twisted everything beautiful and good until it was ugly and unkind. [Two TROLLS carry on a large mirror frame, filled with mylar. The mylar is invisibly cut so that a TROLL can jump through it. It distorts the faces of the TROLLS. Each of the other TROLLS has, hidden in its costume, a mirror fragment treated to reflect black light. The SNOW QUEEN directs the movements of the TROLLS.] TROLLS sing: Watch out! Watch out! We bring a magic mirror We'll fly about And make the world look clearer Look at those deluded souls Believing life is fine Just one glance into our glass Will open up their minds Watch out! Watch out! This trick is just perfection Can't live without This mischievous reflection Individual TROLLS: Let's go north -- No, let's go south Come on and go with me! You're a fool! -- Just watch your mouth! Why can't you all agree! All TROLLS: Watch out! Watch out! You fool, you nearly dropped it Wake up! Don't shout! Just pay attention! Stop it! Watch out! Watch out! Watch out... Percussion: cymbal [One TROLL somersaults through the mirror. Black out, then black light as TROLLS run off stage, holding up their mirror fragments to illustrate the shattering mirror.] NARRATOR: The clumsy trolls dropped the mirror and it shattered into a million pieces. Wherever a fragment of the mirror fell, it turned into a snowflake, and lodged in someone's eye, so that the world looked ugly to him. Percussion: chime Or, it worked its way into a person's heart, so that warm feelings were frozen into cold dislike. Percussion: chimes And that is what happened to Kai... Act I, Scene ii A Music: SNOW QUEEN theme segues into Friendship theme, fading as NARRATOR begins [Children bring out the "roof edges," rosebushes, rooms, and a rocking chair; KAI and GERDA enter.] NARRATOR: Once, at the top of a tall house in a little town, there lived two good friends: a girl named Gerda and a boy named Kai. [GERDA and KAI sing, as they do a playful dance.] Wherever I may wander Wherever I may roam When I hear your voice calling out my name I will always be at home Wherever I may travel Wherever I may be In a crowd of strangers, a glimpse of you Is all the home I need For when I'm frightened, your calm ways Teach me to be brave In a nightmare your sweet face Gentles me awake Tho' spring will turn to winter, Another year grown old, Though the snow may fall, and the wind may blow I will never feel the cold For with you close beside me, A friendly fire glows When I hear your voice calling out my name I am always safe at home NARRATOR: In the summer, they played in their garden of roses, on the roof high above the town. When winter came, they took turns visiting each other. [SNOWFLAKES cover props with "snow" and GERDA and KAI go into the room with the rocking chair. GRANDFATHER enters.] NARRATOR: They especially loved to visit Gerda's Grandfather, who told them dark, winter tales about the queen of the snow, and her empire of ice. GRANDFATHER: Brr-the winter has arrived in force! Soon the Snow Queen will visit our country. (GERDA and KAI exchange expectant glances) GERDA: Tell us the Snow Queen story. KAI: I love that one-especially when I'm sitting by a warm, bright fire. Music: SNOW QUEEN theme GRANDFATHER sings: There once was a place where each day was soft and mild Each breeze was as sweet as a tenderhearted child But a thin, vicious wind made the kindly climate cruel When the Snow Queen came to rule She's ever so clever she's smart as she can be But there's ice in the place where a warm heart ought to be Oh, she says that affection is only meant for fools That is how the Snow Queen rules She lives upon a glacier, inside a white chateau Where snowflakes bloom like flowers, for nothing else can grow The ceiling's made of icicles, the carpet's made of snow The window is a sheet of ice, and starlight paints the hall Her music is like sleighbells, her dancing's like the wind But though it's fine to look at, pray that you're not invited in. For if she should kiss you, your heart would go to sleep Your friends and your family would seem like foolish dreams And all that could wake you would be the strongest love For love is the one thing that the Snow Queen's frightened of KAI: But how does the ice stay cold when the Snow Queen cooks her dinner? The fire would melt it. GERDA: The Snow Queen would never have a fire in her house, Kai. She'd stay as far from fire as we do from snow. GRANDFATHER: Well, between the two of you, you'll figure out the answer, I'm sure. I am an old man with cold in his bones. I'm going off to my warm bed. KAI and GERDA: Good night. KAI: My mother is waiting up for me. I'd better go. GERDA: Wait, Kai--I'll walk you outside. [They put on cloaks and go out onto the roof. As GERDA describes the scene, a TROLL appears, invisible to both children. He strikes KAI with a mirror fragment. KAI is struck twice--in his eye and in his heart. He pantomimes a sudden cold pain, but GERDA is looking away] Percussion: cymbal twice when KAI is struck GERDA: Let's play "I See." I see a marble sculpture where the town used to be. What a good job the sculptor has done-I can even see a tiny, alabaster dustbin! The moonlight has changed the steeple to a star, and the silver street glimmers on the hills like a road made for fairies. Your turn-what can you see? [By now KAI has been struck and is transformed--his face is surly and his voice is cynical] KAI: I see a lot of work for the streetcleaners tomorrow. GERDA: Is that supposed to be a joke? KAI: Of course, the old dump does look better frosted--like a bad cake that you hide under whipped cream. GERDA: Or maybe you're getting sick-let me feel your forehead. KAI: I'm fine, GERDA--you're the one who's sick--or just plain dumb, maybe. A shadow has been lifted from my eyes This fair world is just a thin disguise The snow itself is pure and cold But underneath is mud and mold Just look beyond the nose on your face The world is an awful place GERDA: I cannot understand a word you say Today has been another perfect day Where sunlight made the summer green The snow has made a twinkling scene Each season has its beauty and grace The world is a lovely place Both: Just look around you, the evidence is plain anyone can see anyone who's sane Just look around you, it's obviously true anyone would know anyone but you KAI: I'd think that you'd be totally repelled In spring when all the snow begins to melt And germs wake up to bring disease And every other word's a sneeze It's obviously quite a disgrace The world is an awful place GERDA: In springtime when the roses start to bloom The snow melts to feed their thirsty roots And if it's messy for a while The sun will dry it by and by Each element must have its space To make the world a lovely place Both: Just look around you, the evidence is plain anyone can see anyone who's sane Just look around you, it's obviously true anyone would know anyone but you It's plain as the nose on your stubborn little face The world is KAI a loveless GERDA a wondrous KAI an ugly GERDA a lovely KAI a terrible GERDA a beautiful KAI a horrible GERDA A magical KAI An awful GERDA A wonderful BOTH place KAI There's no use talking to you. I'm going home. GERDA That's a good idea--maybe tomorrow you'll feel better. KAI I'm feeling just fine! [KAI goes "home" (the other room)] MOTHER: Is that you, Kai? You're out pretty late! One of Grandfather's stories, no doubt. KAI: Doesn't he think I'm old enough to know the difference between a fairy tale and the real world? MOTHER: Of course you are, dear. But that doesn't make the stories less truthful--in their own way. KAI: Those stories are dumb! MOTHER: feels his forehead] If you're complaining about stories, you must be coming down with something. I hope it's nothing serious. Off to bed with you! [She sends him off to "bed" and exits through house. He walks over to window.] Percussion: chimes [The SNOW QUEEN appears at his window--visible to the audience, but not to KAI.] KAI: What a bunch of idiots! There is no place where snowflakes bloom like flowers and... Music: SNOW QUEEN theme [The SNOW QUEEN raps on the window. She is carrying a bouquet of snowflake flowers, which she offers to KAI in pantomime. In a daze, he raises the window sash to take them and they look at each other for a long moment.] SNOW QUEEN: I live upon a glacier, inside a white chateau Where snowflakes bloom like flowers, for nothing else can grow The ceiling's made of icicles, the carpet's made of snow The window is a sheet of ice, and starlight paints the hall My music is like sleighbells, my dancing's like the wind And if you're ever passing by, you're welcome to come in. KAI (SNOW QUEEN sings counterpoint): And if you should kiss me, I would not be afraid My friends and my family could just stay here and wait Someday I'd return, oh, but first I want to see All the adventures your palace holds for me. [The SNOW QUEEN whirls away, leaving KAI dazed, as if he had just woken from a dream] Percussion: chimes KAI (rubbing his eyes): I'm not sleepy. Who wants to sleep on a night like this? I'll bet some of the kids are down in the square with their sleds--I'm old enough for that! It looks like a great night for sledding! Act I, scene ii B [The scenery is removed as KAI takes his sled to the main street, which need not have any scenery, just the swirling snowflake effect. SLEDDERS are sledding.] Percussion: jingle bells SLEDDERS sing: Part 1: Jingle, jingle Old Kris Kringle See the snow upon the shingle Jingle, jingle, Ting-a-ling What a joy the winter brings Part 2: Sliding Gliding Racing with the wind Sliding Gliding Which of us will win? Part 3: Snow is falling Stars are bright Wind is calling Sledding tonight! [KAI catches sight of a large sleigh -- the SNOW QUEEN's--pulled by the SNOW GOOSE.] KAI Let's tie our sleds to that big sleigh over there-- we'll get a good ride! SLEDDERS: Yeah! Great idea! KAI: Oh--it's starting to leave--hurry! [The SLEDDERS run toward the sleigh, but only KAI is quick enough to reach it. He is pulled away, as the SNOW QUEEN turns her face to the audience and slowly waves good-bye. They travel to the upper right side of the stage, where they freeze and the lighting changes to indicate that they are no longer visible to the others.] Percussion: chimes Act I, Scene iii A [The stage empties and light gets brighter, indicating the coming of the following day] GERDA(from offstage): Kai! Kai! [The SLEDDERS enter, pulling their sleds. They are in pairs-one SLEDDER pulling the sled and another on the sled.] [GERDA enters] [As each pair of SLEDDERS finish their lines, they exit, waving offstage to show they are being summoned.] GERDA: Have any of you seen Kai? SLEDDER 1: Didn't he come back? GERDA: Back? From where? SLEDDER 2: He was going so fast, we couldn't catch up. GERDA: When? And where was he going? SLEDDER 3: Last night... SLEDDER 1: Kai hooked his sled to a big sleigh... SLEDDER 2: It carried him off in a spray of snow... SLEDDER 3: Faster than lightening! Right past the city gate! GERDA: Who was in the sleigh? Percussion: chimes SLEDDER 1: A beautiful lady, all in white. We'd never seen her before. GERDA: But...where is he? SLEDDER 2: We waited for him, but it got late and we all went home SLEDDER 3: Hey-we're late for lunch now! SLEDDER 4: We've got to go, Gerda. Hope you find Kai. [The last SLEDDERS leave. GERDA winds her scarf around her and sets off to look for KAI.] Act I, scene iii B Music: SNOW QUEEN theme [Lighting changes to throw focus on the SNOW QUEEN's sleigh.] SNOW QUEEN: You hitched a ride on my sleigh. That was daring. KAI: It's the biggest one I've ever seen. Are you a princess? SNOW QUEEN: Ruler of the cold countries. Empress of the icicles. Called by some the Snow Queen. KAI: You mean there really is one?! SNOW QUEEN: You have heard of me then. Would you like to travel to my lands and see my home? KAI: The white chateau! Oh, yes, I would. Will it take long? Should I send word to Gerda so she doesn't worry? SNOW QUEEN: It will seem like the blink of an eye. No need to send word. They'll never even notice that you've gone. [They exit.] Music: Friendship theme, but slower Act I, scene iii C NARRATOR: Gerda searched the whole city for Kai. When she didn't find him, she set out through the city gate with a heavy heart. [SUN comes out and dances] GERDA: Sun--can you tell me where Kai is? SUN: I'm afraid I can't help you. [Three SWALLOWS come out and fly around GERDA] Percussion: bird sounds GERDA: Swallows-- can you tell me where Kai is? SWALLOWS: We don't know. [Four children create a RIVER, with long, blue pieces of fabric. Alongside the RIVER is a little boat on wheels.] Percussion: rain stick GERDA: River, have you taken Kai? RIVER CHILD 1: No. [The SWALLOWS circle around GERDA, gently pushing her toward the boat.] GERDA: A boat! May I take it to go and look for Kai? RIVER CHILD 2: Be our guest. RIVER CHILD 3: The river can carry you to many places. [GERDA gets in the boat and begins to cross the RIVER.] GERDA: Kai, Kai, where can you be? [The SWALLOWS and the SUN make a semicircle around GERDA.] SWALLOW 1: Poor Gerda! SWALLOW 2: She'll be all right. SWALLOW 3: But she's frightened SWALLOW 2: And cold. SWALLOW 1: And worried. SWALLOW 2: Let's sing a song to comfort her. SWALLOWS, RIVER CHILDREN, and SUN: May the sun make silver of your clouds May the wind sing lullabies May the river guide your boat tonight By the light of fireflies May the moonbeams make a shining path May the sunset paint your dreams As the swallows sing of your wandering To the harbor that you seek Don't despair, don't despair There are friends around you everywhere Don't be sad, don't be blue We are here, we are watching out for you. Oh, the dawn will rise on a new-made day Morning air washed clean with dew And a day with these possibilities Is a scene for dreams come true. Don't be sad Don't be blue We are here, we are watching out for you [The SWALLOWS make another circle around GERDA and exit, along with the SUN.] Music: Don't Despair theme, quietly under narration Act I, scene iv NARRATOR: The Swallows sang Gerda to sleep and she floated down the river. At sunset, she reached a magical island, which was covered with flowers, though it was deepest winter. [A military whistle is heard off stage, setting the time for a march. As the FLOWERS enter, a snare drum takes up the march rhythm. Children dressed as FLOWERS enter: ROSES on one side and other FLOWERS on the other. They are followed by a woman dressed in gardening clothes] [GERDA wakes up and struggles out of the boat. The woman helps her to shore.] GERDA: Oh, thank you. I'm looking for my friend, Kai--have you seen him? ISLAND WOMAN: No, my dear. Very few travelers find their way to Flower Island. But you look exhaused. Rest here a little while and have some supper, and then you can go and look for your friend again. GERDA: Your flowers remind me of home--our roof garden is always filled with beautiful roses in the summer. Do you grow any roses here? Oh, I'm so tired. If I could only rest a moment... [GERDA falls asleep and the ISLAND WOMAN covers her gently.] ISLAND WOMAN: Here is the companion I've been hoping for. I'll cast a little spell over her and keep her here with me. We'll both be happier that way. ROSE 1: I thought you weren't going to cast spells anymore? ISLAND WOMAN: Well...just a small one. I have to practice sometimes, you know. Otherwise I'll forget all my magic. ROSE 2: Will you turn her into a flower? She'd make a nice narcissus, I think. NARCISSUS: Goodness, not with those petals! How do you know she isn't a weed? ROSE 2: You can always tell if you look at their leaves. As a matter of fact, your leaves look a little weedy... NARCISSUS: Well I never! Isn't that just like a rose. Nasty to the roots. SHRINKING VIOLET: I can see her roots from here. And they don't match her petals, I can tell you that. ROSE 3: Oh, don't even listen to her. She's nothing but a common, garden variety ... IMPATIENS: Common! Garden variety! Why I... ROSE 4: Maybe she should turn that girl into a flower. It would be an improvement over those petal-pushers. ISLAND WOMAN: Flowers! Flowers! Why can't they be more like vegetables and just soak up the sunshine quietly? Now, settle down. I'm not going to turn her into a flower. I'm just going to make her forget about her home and her search for Kai. [The FLOWERS and the ROSES bounce along, joining in as indicated.] Hocus, pocus, daisy, crocus Cast a little spell Nothing very fancy Just a little necromancy Hocus, pocus, mix a potion Teach you to forget Not magic, nosirree Just some kitchen witchery I like to keep in practice Don't want to lose my touch A little juice of cactus NARCISSUS: Be careful--not too much ISLAND WOMAN: Some oil of starfish, just a drop A pinch of a honeybee's hum Stir with a butterscotch lollipop And then a swig of rum [she drinks the rum ] FLOWERS: Hocus, pocus, Keep your focus! Look! She's spilled again! Goodness what a mess! She isn't much of a sorceress! ISLAND WOMAN: Hocus, pocus, what a ruckus Flowers should be still! Now what would you like to bet That my spell will make her forget! ISLAND WOMAN: Now, what was she saying about roses? They remind her of home. That will never do. ROSES: But, but... ISLAND WOMAN: [Makes a cutting gesture across her throat and the ROSES fall silent.] Good morning, roses. Percussion/music: Some kind of sound effect for the ROSES, perhaps done with a flute. [ROSES look at her warily] Now I've been thinking. You've been looking so tired, my dears... [They look at each other dubiously] Oh, yes you have. Now what you need is a nice long rest. [They shake their heads and lean away] Now, we can do this the easy way or (she takes out shears) we can do it the hard way. It's time for your nap. Hocus, pocus, hide the roses Roses smell like home Now in the ground so deep Roses--go to sleep [the ROSES lie down and sleep] So. The roses can have a nice nap in their flower bed. Now there's nothing to remind her of home. She can stay here and be my little friend. GERDA: [wakes up] Oh, my I must...must... ISLAND WOMAN: Have some dinner? GERDA: Yes...yes, I suppose that's what I was about to say. I really don't remem...What a lovely garden! ISLAND WOMAN: Yes dear, you'll enjoy playing here in the garden. [ISLAND WOMAN goes off stage and GERDA approaches the FLOWERS] GERDA: My, how lovely you all are. (During the following speeches, the IMPATIENS waves her hand impatiently, trying to interrupt the others.) NARCISSUS: Of course, some of us are more lovely than others. Me, for example. Percussion/music: slide-whistle makes a wolf-whistle sound GERDA: Ah, a narcissus. SHRINKING VIOLET: Ooh--don't stare at me like that. It shivers my roots! Percussion/music: tambourine GERDA: And a shrinking violet. DAFFODIL: (laughs hysterically and makes a daffy face) Percussion/music:cuckoo-clock sound or descending slide-whistle I'm a daffy-dill. IMPATIENS: What about me? What about me? Percussion/music: bicycle horn GERDA: You must be an impatiens. Yes, you're all lovely. But something is missing... ISLAND WOMAN: Reenters, wearing a sun hat, covered with roses.] Well, time to water everyone. I've made you some dinner, Gerda--go inside and eat while I take care of the flowers. [She waters the FLOWERS then continues on offstage, presumably to water more flowers.] GERDA: What were those beautiful flowers all over her hat? They looked so familiar...Oh! They were roses! Now I remember. Kai...[she begins to weep] Percussion: chimes or other tinkling sound [The sleeping ROSES begin to stir as GERDA weeps over them and soon they rise up] Oh, roses! Have you seen Kai? Percussion/music: Some kind of sound effect for the ROSES, perhaps done with a flute. [They shake their heads] I forgot him for a just a moment--but I mustn't forget, must I? [The ROSES shake their heads vigorously] Because he's my friend, you see--and I must find him. GERDA: Wherever I may travel So far from all that's dear Just the sight of roses recalls his face That's all the home I need I must be on my way. I'll take my little boat... Percussion/music: rain stick [The boat appears] ...and set off again. Say good-bye to that lovely old woman for me, won't you? [The FLOWERS look at each other and make gagging gestures] [GERDA and the boat exit in one direction as the FLOWERS "slide" in the other, to give the illusion that the FLOWERS are standing still while GERDA floats away.] Act I, Scene v A Percussion/music: Friendship theme. [GERDA's boat reappears on the stage. She sees a gaggle of HENCH-CROWS and CROWETTES. They're so involved in their conversation that they don't notice her arrival.] HENCH-CROW 1: Aw, come on baby! I asked you out three times this week and you're always busy! CROWETTE 1: I can't help it if I have an active social life. CROWETTE 2: If you call sitting by the phone "active." HENCH-CROW 2: Who's she waiting to hear from? Romeo over there calls her every hour on the hour. CROWETTE 3: Yeah, but she don't wanna hear from Romeo. She wants to hear from HIM. CROWETTE 2: The guy. CROWETTE 3: The man. CROWETTE 1: The Crow! HENCH-CROW 1: What do I look like? Chopped liver? HENCH-CROW 3: You're a crow, Romeo-but you ain't THE Crow. HENCH-CROW 1: What's he got that I ain't got? [The CROWETTES sing:] He charms the birdies out of the trees I know, 'cause one of those birds is me [chorus:] He's my Romeo My sweet daddy-o Oh oh oh oh oh oh, he's my Crow He is the end of my lonely search His kisses knock me right off my perch [chorus] He flicks a feather and I swoon Each night I'm cawing at the moon He is as elegant as an eagle He's got me chattering like a seagull [chorus] (The CROW enters, swaggering) CROW: Well, what have we here? CROWETTE 1: I thought you'd never ask! CROW: Not you. (He pushes her to one side and walks over to GERDA's boat). You! What's your story, sweetheart? GERDA: My story? It's sad enough. CROW: Well, you better tell me all about it. It's my business to know everything around here, see? And right now, you are a major unknown, see? GERDA: I'm looking for my best friend, Kai. CROW: What's he like, this Kai character? GERDA: Oh, he's wise and strong and handsome and kind, with the finest eyes and the truest heart and... CROW: Okay, Okay, I get the picture. Now I happen to have a line on a guy matches your description in every particular. GERDA: You know where he is? CROW: Sweetheart, I know everything. The CROW sings: I deal in information I am a knowledgeable guy I offer consultation I often touch bases With fellas in high places I know everyone who's anyone, right up to the princess I have a reputable contact in the palace, no less I deal in information I'm better than the evening news Why, in one conversation I can find out who's who And who to pursue And if anyone who's anyone should make a sudden move I'm the one to tell the world just where they're moving to. When the princess was looking for a prince Where did she begin? [points to self] Married ever since. And when the prince came looking for a wife Where did he inquire? To find his heart's desire? I deal in information How far, with whom and for how long My careful observation Is very often sought By those who know what's what For anyone and everyone who really needs to know They know where to go Straight to the Crow They hurry to the Crow [The HENCH-CROWS and CROWETTES remain onstage and react in pantomime to the following dialog.] GERDA: I'm sure you're very knowledgeable-but can you lead me to Kai? Where is he now? CROW: If he's who I think he is--and I'm seldom wrong--he's in the Palace. But sweetheart, I think you've got a disappointment coming-- better prepare yourself. GERDA: What do you mean? CROW: Well, the princess, see, she up and decides to get married. Just takes a fancy to the old Wedding March. So she holds a contest for eligible young bachelors. Well, Bachelors One and Two were a little on the disappointin' side, but in walks Bachelor Number Three and it was all over but the cryin'. GERDA: Are you saying that Kai is Bachelor Number Three? CROW: Well, I guarantee you no guarantees, but this guy was everything a princess could want--he was good-lookin'... GERDA: Kai is very handsome! CROW: And smart? Like a whip! GERDA: Kai can say all the times tables--he can do division in his head! CROW: Now, he wasn't dressed so fancy--kinda ragged, with a knapsack on his back. GERDA: Oh, he must have been carrying his sled. And of course, his clothes would look ragged to a princess. CROW: Well, he marches up to the palace gate, and was he intimidated? Not a bit. Marches right in and says... HENCH-CROWs: "How do you do?" GERDA: Oh, yes, Kai is very straightforward. CROW: So on he goes, through the echoing hallways, his boots creakin' and his knapsack swayin' GERDA: Yes--he has new boots and they do creak--I heard them. CROW: Well, pretty soon the churchbells was ringin'. GERDA: Why, that would make Kai a prince! How wonderful. Oh, Mr. Crow, you've been such a help. Can you take me to him? I can't wait another minute to see him. CROW: Well, we can go right away, but you're gonna have to wait more than a minute. It's a good ten miles, even as the Crow flies. Act I, scene v B [They exit with the HENCH-CROWS, then reenter, approaching a large bed that appears onstage. On the bed are the PRINCE and PRINCESS, guarded by several courtiers. A pair of MICE are playing.] [The MICE do a soft-shoe routine] CROW: [he speaks in a stage whisper] They're asleep, see? But you can see the back of the prince from here. GERDA: Kai! [She throws herself on him] PRINCE: [wakes up] Psst--wake up, dear. We appear to have company PRINCESS: Isn't it a little early for...(she remembers her manners) ... Charmed, I'm sure. GERDA: Oh...you're not Kai. But the Crow said... CROW: [stage whisper] I think I'll take a little air...[PRINCE prevents him from leaving] PRINCE: Oh, that Crow again. He's always telling people that he's one of the seven dwarves --the tall one. And I'm supposed to be Prince Charming. He gets them to pay admission to see us! PRINCESS: Would that make me Sleeping Beauty? Or Snow White? Either way, dear, we'll refund your money... GERDA: He didn't take my money. He just said he knew where Kai was...[she begins to cry] PRINCESS: Oh, my! Now, come, we'll straighten it all out. Don't cry. Now look here, Crow--what did you tell this young lady that's made her cry like this? CROW: She's lookin for a guy. It sounds like the spittin' image of the Prince, here. So I points her in the right direction--I even escorts her here myself--and what thanks do I get? PRINCESS: I'm sorry that my Prince is not the one you were seeking. You are welcome to stay here with us, in the Palace. Stay and celebrate Christmas with us. GERDA: Oh, you're very kind. But I must find Kai. I just thought, after all my travels, that I had finally found him. [she sighs] but I'll just have to look some more. PRINCESS: That is how I felt until I met my prince. If there's a special someone for everyone I've found the one Who's custom-made for me PRINCE: And if I lost my someone I'd gladly run To kingdom come To bring her back to me PRINCESS: If you were in Australia, I'd tail ya Deep in Indonesia, I'd seize ya I'd shuffle off to Buffalo Idle down to Idaho Poke around the Poconos Until I treed ya PRINCE: If she sailed to China, I'd find her Deep in dark Decatur, [I'd] locate her I'd search through surly Surinam Burrow down to Birmingham Amble round old Amsterdam And serenade her PRINCESS: If he went to Boston, I'd accost him Madly in Manhattan, I'd have at him I'd journey to Jerusalem Baffle all of Bethlehem Buzz off to Byzantium 'Cause I must have him PRINCESS and PRINCE: If you've a special someone Then you will find That you would climb The highest mountain peak So go and find your someone For we believe You'll soon retrieve The special one you seek PRINCESS: So, of course you must go on, dear. But at least we can give you a lovely coach to ride in and some warm boots and a muff--for when you leave here, you enter the cold countries. [She claps her hands and the items are brought onstage by the courtiers.] PRINCE: And when you find your Kai, you must both come back and visit with us. CROW: Yeah. We'd love to have youse. Act I, scene v C ["Coach" (much like the SNOW QUEEN's sleigh) arrives on stage and GERDA climbs in and exits as the PRINCE, PRINCESS, CROW, etc., bid her farewell.] Percussion wood block for horses PRINCE: Good luck on your journey! PRINCESS: I know you'll find him! [FLOWERS, ROSES, HENCH-CROWS, and SUN join the PRINCE, PRINCESS, and CROW on stage, and all sing:] Don't despair, don't despair There are friends around you everywhere Don't be sad, don't be blue We are here, we are watching out for you. Oh, the dawn will rise on a new-made day Morning air washed clean with dew And a day with these possibilities Is a scene for dreams come true. Don't be sad Don't be blue We are here, we are watching out for you (Intermission) Act II, Scene I [The stage is set with "trees" to simulate a wood. A TROLL enters from one side of the stage while the SNOW GOOSE stumbles on from the other side.] SNOW GOOSE: Whew! Man, am I pooped! TROLL: Your tail feathers are dragging. What's the news? SNOW GOOSE: ...I am so pooped... TROLL (resigned): How pooped are you? SNOW GOOSE I barely have the energy for a buck and wing. [He does one] TROLL: Man, what a tired routine! SNOW GOOSE: Well, when you migrate all the time, it's hard to stay au courant. TROLL: Great. A French-speaking goose. SNOW GOOSE: Well, I'm a Canadian Snow Goose, you know. I'm bi-wing- ual. Percussion: rim shot TROLL: Can we get to the point? SNOW GOOSE: Listen, if you had the kind of day I've had... TROLL: Why? What happened? SNOW GOOSE: First she wants to buzz this little town in the middle of nowheres, and I'm supposed to hover like a hummingbird. [He illustrates with a dance step.] TROLL: The old 'copter routine, eh? SNOW GOOSE: Then she picks up some kid, who ties his sled to the back of the sleigh--like I don't have enough wind-shear problems already. [He dances an 'off-balance routine.] TROLL: Shear misery! SNOW GOOSE: Then the blankety-blank sled falls off. [A prat-fall or other dance step.] TROLL: I see your problem. Everything's falling into place. SNOW GOOSE: Now nothing will please Her Majesty but we got to find the sled which, if you ask me, is like... [The SNOW QUEEN and KAI enter from behind him The TROLLS gesture, but he doesn't get it.] SNOW GOOSE: ... like trying to find the proverbial needle in a coal mine. [He sings:] I am one foul-tempered fowl Up with the chickens, flying with the owls In the wind and the hail weather She's got me by the tailfeather You know who I mean-the Queen I am one burned-out bird She's always got to have the final word When it's dry or it's humid She's ruffling my plumage You know who I mean-the Queen The Empress of Ice, the Sultan of Sleet She's not what you want in a pal The Queen of the Cold, the Wizard of Wind She isn't a warm-hearted gal I am one cry-baby flyer I'm no spring chicken, ready to retire She knows how to get to me She's gonna barbecue me You know who I mean-the ... SNOW QUEEN: Goose! SNOW GOOSE: Woah! Your majesty! I didn't hear... SNOW QUEEN: You didn't hear my order to find the sled? Perhaps the altitude is affecting you adversely. Maybe I should ground you for a time. SNOW GOOSE: Oh, don't do that! We'll find it! [to the TROLL] Let's get outa here! [They exit.] KAI: It's beautiful in your country! But so cold! SNOW QUEEN: Don't worry. Right now, your heart is still longing for the warmth of the place you left behind. But after a while, you'll forget all that. KAI: I'm not sure I want to forget my home. SNOW QUEEN: Aren't you curious about me? Wouldn't you like to learn everything you can about this strange and interesting place where I live? KAI: I'm always interested in learning new things. SNOW QUEEN: Perhaps, if you show promise, I shall make you the prince of the frozen lands someday. [She moves away from him.] KAI: Prince! That would be something to tell Gerda! [He follows her.] SNOW QUEEN: [Turns on him} Don't speak of Gerda--or the grandfather. [she forces herself to smile] Why, look. You can just see the towers of my chateau from here. KAI: The white chateau! Where? Show me! [They exit.] Act II, scene ii [GERDA's coach enters.] Percussion/music: wood block for horse hooves, the odd neigh. NARRATOR: Gerda's coach carried her in the greatest comfort far into the North. The towns grew further apart and a great forest appeared. GERDA: It's colder and colder. I must be entering the north country. How kind of the Prince and Princess to give me these warm boots and this fine carriage. Kai and I will ride home in quite a grand manner... [As she speaks, several of the smaller ROBBERS sneak onto the stage and surround the carriage] ROBBER 1: Here is a fine catch! ROBBER 2: She's sure to have plenty of money and jewels. ROBBER 3: On my signal, halt the coach--one, two, three! [ROBBERS 1 and 2 jump out and grab GERDA. ROBBER 3 leads the coach offstage.] GERDA: Aren't you a little small for robbers? ROBBER 1: That's why we work in groups. GERDA: I see. ROBBER 2: Hand over your loot! GERDA: I don't have very much. ROBBER 1: Well, we have even less. Look at this fine fur muff! This'll keep me warm in winter! ROBBER 2: And these nice soft boots! I think I can squeeze my feet into those! ROBBER 1: What do we do with the girl? ROBBER 2: Let's bring her to Maude--she'd like a playmate! Percussion: Slide whistle as one ROBBER whistles for the others [They are joined by ROBBER 3 and the older ROBBERS. MAUDE enters from the other side and the SWALLOWS are led on and tied to the "trees."] ROBBERS: We lie in wait for unsuspecting trav'lers We lay a clever ambush in the woods Oh, how they talk about us in the taverns We are a bunch of modern Robin Hoods We are daring woodland pirates We're the smartest in the land We're the bravest in the forest GERDA: You aren't very modest! ROBBERS: We're a fearsome robber band We make our living stealing from the wealthy And giving to the poor folk (namely us) We manage to get by and stay quite healthy A brigand's life can be so glorious We are daring woodland pirates We're successful buccaneers We have lots of golden rubles GERDA: But not a lot of scruples! ROBBERS: We're the scourge of the frontiers MAUDE: What are the tidbits that you bring to me? Is that a furry little muff I see? Thought you could have it? Think again, my sweet! You'll find it very chancy Once it's caught my fancy To try to keep a thing from me. [The ROBBERS become less and less confident] ROBBERS: We lie in wait for unsuspecting trav'lers MAUDE: You couldn't catch a hamster in its den! ROBBERS: Oh, how they talk about us in the taverns MAUDE: You're nothing without me, my little men! ROBBERS: We are daring woodland pirates MAUDE: Who's the brain behind your brawn? ROBBERS: We have everybody flinching GERDA: You aren't too convincing! MAUDE: Just leave the loot with me and then be gone! Act II, scene ii A ROBBER 3: You're the boss, Maude. ROBBER 2: Sure. We was gonna give you the girl... ROBBER 1: ...and the muff. Of course we was. ROBBER 3: Sure... ROBBER 2: [stage whisper] I still got the boots! MAUDE: Then you won't mind handing me those boots. ROBBER 2: Darn! [They skulk offstage.] MAUDE: Well, well, well. What have we here? A city-girl, from the looks of her. What do you think of your new playmate, my pets? Percussion/music: bird sounds. SWALLOW 1: Why, it's Gerda! MAUDE: You know this girl? SWALLOW 2: Oh yes. We met her before.you captured us and made us your pets. MAUDE: What's her story? SWALLOW 3: She has been searching. MAUDE: For what? SWALLOW 1: For someone named Kai. MAUDE: Hmm. That sounds like an interesting story to help us pass a winter's night. Tell me! GERDA: My friend Kai disappeared. I looked all over the town, but the children said he had hitched his sled to a great sleigh, and left the city gates. MAUDE: What kind of sleigh? GERDA: I don't know. There was a beautiful woman in the sleigh, they said. Lovely as a queen. MAUDE: Really. GERDA: I found a boat and sailed away to find him. A sweet old woman on an island gave me food and a place to stay, but I couldn't rest until I found Kai. MAUDE: Sweet old woman? You mean the tipsy witch of Flower Island? GERDA: Well...there were a lot of flowers on the island--especially for this time of year. It was the roses who reminded me to keep searching for Kai. And then I met a clever Crow. MAUDE: Oh, not that old windbag! GERDA: He took me to a Prince and a Princess. They gave me the carriage that was stolen...well, that you have now. MAUDE: Yes? And where is Kai? GERDA: I don't know! I still haven't found him! SWALLOW 1: We have seen Kai! SWALLOW 2: We flew north after we left you. SWALLOW 3: Suddenly, in the air behind us, there came a freezing wind. SWALLOW 1: It was the Snow Queen's sleigh, flying through the air like a great, white vulture. SWALLOW 2: We nearly froze! SWALLOW 3: We saw Kai, sitting next to the Queen. SWALLOW 1: His sled was tied on behind, like the tail of a kite. SWALLOW 2: Her arm was around his shoulder. SWALLOW 3: We shudder to think of it! GERDA: He is with the Snow Queen! I must go immediately! I must find him before it's too late and his heart is frozen. He'll forget--he's probably already forgotten me! MAUDE: Not so fast. You're my prisoner, don't forget. SWALLOW 2: Be careful, Gerda! SWALLOW 3: Don't make her angry! GERDA: Well...perhaps I should stay for a while After all, you've got a pretty cozy place here. And we could be friends. MAUDE: Friends? What would a clever robber like myself have in common with a pampered little city brat like you? GERDA: We both love stories. And I have so much to learn from you. MAUDE: Well, you have a lot to learn, that's for sure! GERDA: Of course, you'd have been so much happier if you'd captured, er, met Kai instead of me. MAUDE: Why's that? GERDA: He's such a clever person-not as clever as you are, perhaps, but still, it seems like such a shame that you didn't grab my carriage on the way back from the Snow Queen instead of on the way there. MAUDE: You were planning to go to the Snow Queen's domain in that carriage? GERDA: Of course. It's quite a good carriage. Why not? MAUDE: You'd never make it, sweetie. Why, to get to the Snow Queen's place, you'd need a big sleigh, like hers. GERDA: One that flies through the air, you mean? MAUDE: Nah. That's all very well for queens, but folks like us, we have to travel on the ground, I'm afraid. GERDA: Well-what would pull the sleigh, then? MAUDE: Not those stuck-up horses of yours, that's for sure. At the first sign of snow, they'd turn up their aristocratic noses and head for their stables. No...you'd need an animal that likes the snow. Plus, you'd need a creature who knows the territory...Yo! Reindeer! [The REINDEER enters warily] You're a northern creature--you know the place where the Snow Queen lives? REINDEER: Yes. I have often run past it--though never near [he shivers] It is not a good place, though it is beautiful. MAUDE: Not a good place, eh? What's that supposed to mean? What do you know about the Snow Queen, anyway? REINDEER: She lives upon a glacier, inside a white chateau Where snowflakes bloom like flowers, for nothing else can grow The ceiling's made of icicles, the carpet's made of snow It's wonderful to look at, but I never get too close All the creatures of the snow are careful to stay clear But if it bought my freedom, I would gladly venture near. I long For the song Of the soaring polar wind To run til the sun settles down behind the hills To kick up my heels on an endless snowy plain Instead I'm a prisoner bound with golden chains. MAUDE: See, Gerda-everybody has their price. Even this yellow-bellied reindeer would go to the Snow Queen's place-which apparently frightens him to death-just to feel the snow on his back again. There's no accounting for taste. GERDA: Hmm. It still wouldn't solve the problem though, would it? The reindeer would go up there, but he wouldn't come back and bring Kai here for you. MAUDE: No, but one of my robbers would. Who wants to volunteer? [The remaining ROBBERS shrink back into the wings. There are no volunteers.] GERDA: Of course, the smart thing would be to order me to do it. After all, I'm at your mercy, I'm not much of a robber, and I was headed up that way anyway... But I'm sure you've already thought of that. MAUDE: Yeah-I was just getting to that. I call that Plan B. GERDA: I suppose the reindeer could carry me on its back? REINDEER: Easily! Anything to return to my home! MAUDE: Fine. There. I solved that one. GERDA: You're even smarter than people say you are! MAUDE: Well, I get the feeling you're easily impressed. All right. Let's get this show on the road. Off you go Reindeer. Back your old northland. You're too expensive to feed anyway. REINDEER: Free? I'm free? I can't believe my good fortune! Let's go right away! But... MAUDE: What's wrong? Still afraid of Queenie? REINDEER: It's the Swallows. How can I enjoy my freedom when another wild thing is caged? MAUDE: You drive a pretty hard bargain, Antler-head. Is this what they teach you up at the North Pole? REINDEER: All I can tell you is that all the reindeer who work for Santa are strictly volunteers. MAUDE: Oh, all right then. Fly off and leave me, you ungrateful bird- brains. SWALLOWS: We're free! [They fly in a circle around the stage.] Percussion/music: bird sounds. SWALLOWS: Farewell Gerda! Good luck![The SWALLOWS fly off.} MAUDE: I guess you'd better take this [hands GERDA the muff.] It's cold where you're going. GERDA: Oh, Maude--you really are a friend! [She fingers MAUDE's scarf longingly. MAUDE finally takes it off and gives it to her.] MAUDE: Yeah, well--don't let it get around, okay? GERDA: [with her arm around the REINDEER] We're off! [The ROBBERS reenter.] MAUDE: See how resourcefully I help those folk Solving two problems in a single stroke Gerda and the Reindeer, vanishing like smoke... So what is there to stare at? I'm too strong to care that Gerda's left me here alone. ROBBERS: We lie in wait for unsuspecting travelers MAUDE: Oh, don't start with those empty boasts again ROBBERS: Oh how they talk about us in the taverns MAUDE: You're nothing without me my little...friends Act II, Scene iii NARRATOR: The Reindeer was a loyal friend, and carried Gerda over the snowy plains, leaping with joy to be back in the cold, clean north country. Gerda hung on bravely, but as the air grew thinner and colder, she became exhausted. [GERDA and the REINDEER enter. The LAPP WOMAN is sitting slightly upstage stage, by a fire.] REINDEER: Little one, I am afraid you grow cold. For me, the snow and the cold air are exhilarating, but you need warmth and rest. GERDA: I wish I could go on without stopping. REINDEER: Here is the house of the Lapp Woman. Though she lives alone, here in this frozen place, her tea leaves reveal many things to her. [Before they enter her house, the LAPP WOMAN consults her tea leaves and begins her song.] LAPP WOMAN: A little child in Africa Calls out his mother's name A herd of stamping buffalo Wheel on a sunlit plain [During the next verse and part of the chorus, if needed, GERDA and the REINDEER speak over the music.] GERDA: She seems to see things that happen all over the world! REINDEER: She is very wise. GERDA: But can she tell me anything about Kai? LAPP WOMAN: And here are tales of oceans deep Upon whose murky floors The schools of giant fishes sleep Far from the teeming shores For those who know the way to see The stories of the world Are written in the leaves of tea Inside this china cup they swirl I see a palace made of snow A frozen paradise A boy whose face I do not know A woman made of ice And in his mind forgetfulness His heart is hard and cold His face is filled with youthfulness And yet he seems so old [GERDA and the REINDEER join in the final chorus] For those who know the way to see The stories of the world Are written in the leaves of tea Inside this china cup they swirl [GERDA and the REINDEER enter the LAPP WOMAN's house.] GERDA: The boy you saw in your tea leaves-that's my friend Kai! LAPP WOMAN: Yes. GERDA: Is he with the Snow Queen? LAPP WOMAN: Yes. GERDA: I have traveled far to find him, but now that I'm so close, the task seems impossible. I have no spells or magic powers and the Snow Queen...(she leaves off, overwhelmed) LAPP WOMAN: You have everything you need. GERDA: But... LAPP WOMAN: You will know what to do when you get there. REINDEER: We must go now, Gerda, before it gets any darker. GERDA: Yes. Of course. [to the LAPP WOMAN] Thank you. LAPP WOMAN: Farewell, little one. Act II, scene iv REINDEER: Here you are, Gerda. The gate of the Snow Queen is just beyond this snowy field. Now I must leave you. GERDA: Yes! I can see the top of her icy gates. Farewell, Reindeer! REINDEER: I'll wait and see you safely across. [Two TROLLS stand off to one side and observe GERDA and the REINDEER.] TROLL 1: I don't believe this girl! With all the obstacles the Queen has placed in her path, she just won't give up! TROLL 2: We'll have to stop her ourselves. Let's blow her toward that glacier. She'll never be able to cross! TROLL 1: I'll summon the North Wind. He'll make sure she doesn't reach Kai! [The WIND and some SNOWFLAKES dance around GERDA, turning her around so she is confused. The REINDEER is blown to one side and can't reach her.] GERDA: I can barely see my hand before my face. REINDEER: Gerda! Gerda! Where are you! [The SNOWFLAKES and the WIND push and pull GERDA.] GERDA: I'm on some kind of glassy ice I can't move without falling! REINDEER: My hooves are slipping! I can't reach you Gerda! [The SUN arrives.] SUN: Gerda! The swallows told me you were here in the frozen North, and I came to warm your way. GERDA: I'm afraid even you can't melt this ice. The Snow Queen seems determined to keep me away. SUN: I can't melt the ice completely, but I can soften it. Stand back! [The SUN shines on the ice to soften it, and the SWALLOWS arrive, pulling a sled.] SWALLOW 1: Gerda! Look! We found Kai's sled! Quick! Hop on and we'll pull you across the ice! The SUN has softened it enough that we might just make it. GERDA: But, the Reindeer... REINDEER: Don't worry about me, Gerda! Go as fast as you can! I'll wait for you at the edge of the forest and see you safely home. GERDA: Goodbye! I'll return as soon as I can! [The SWALLOWS pull GERDA across the glacier, as the SUN and the REINDEER exit at the other side of the stage.] Act II, Scene v A NARRATOR: Gerda has finally reached her destination--the domain of the Snow Queen. Is Kai awaiting her anxiously? No. She seems to be the furthest thing from his mind. [KAI and the SNOW QUEEN enter.] Percussion/music: Chimes. SNOW QUEEN: I am sorry that the Snow Goose was unable to find your sled. He is being...disciplined...for his failure. KAI: Don't punish him for my sake! I've grown so fond of the silly old thing. SNOW QUEEN: As a prince, you cannot afford to be fond of anyone. KAI: Well...but I love some people...you, of course. You more than anyone. SNOW QUEEN: Don't confuse love with respect. Love heats the heart and confuses the mind. With pure reason, the mind is free to dissect every problem, clean and clear of emotion like a blue glacier. The world of the mind is refreshing and cool. KAI: Why don't you want my love? SNOW QUEEN: Love is dangerous. This is a lesson you must learn, if you want to stay here with me. They say that love is patient They say that love is kind But I find love a danger As sharp as any knife If you give away your heart you can lose control Emotions are so unpredictable. They say that love is gentle They say that love is sweet I find it sentimental To sell oneself so cheap If you give away your heart to a careless soul You will find that love is quite unreliable. Once upon a time I tried To play that risky game To let the ice inside me turn to gentle burning flame And for a moment, oh the sweetness But when it was gone I numbly sought the cooling snow To soothe my aching heart They say that love is simple The province of a child It makes the heart a temple And frees the soul to fly But I suggest you follow my good advice And wrap your burning heart in a sheet of ice. Emotions will confuse you and make you sigh Stay safe here in the regions of the mind. SNOW QUEEN: I must go now, and tour my empire. I will give you an assignment to do while I am gone. Make me a list of every emotion, and explain the dangers of each one. Write your answers here, in the snow, and when I return, if the answers are correct, you will be rewarded. KAI: I'll write the best answers you ever heard. SNOW QUEEN: Ah, Kai. It gives me great satisfaction to watch the emotions fade from your heart and pure reason take its place. Now, you to your lessons and I to my kingdom. Act II, scene v B [The SNOW QUEEN exits, and KAI kneels on the floor, writing. GERDA enters quietly and stands watching him] KAI: I'll start with joy. Joy is dangerous because...because...it leads to disappointment when it goes away. It's much safer not to care. GERDA: Kai! KAI: Gerda! What are you doing here? Stay away from me. You wouldn't understand what I'm doing. GERDA: You never thought so before. KAI: [Turns away from her and begins writing again.] Anger. It is dangerous to feel anger, for it reveals how much you care. You must never let anyone know how much you care. GERDA: It's too late for that. I know how much you care, no matter how the ice hides your heart. KAI: Sadness. It is dangerous to feel sadness, for it makes you weak. You must never let anyone see you weak. GERDA: I know that you are sad. I know that under the ice, your heart is breaking with love. KAI: Love is the most dangerous emotion of all. For when you love someone, you belong to that person, and you are never whole without them. GERDA: I love you, Kai. And I know you love me, too. [she approaches him, arms outstretched.] KAI: No! Stay away! GERDA: You needn't fear. [she shows him her empty hands] It's just me- -see? KAI: Please! Just stay away! GERDA: It was a mirror that put a spell on you--a wicked, twisted mirror that turned to ice and froze your heart. But I am a mirror too, Kai. In my eyes is the image of the truest, dearest friend I ever knew. For when I'm frightened, your calm ways Teach me to be brave In nightmares only your sweet face Gentles me awake [KAI turns his back.] Percussion/music: Friendship theme, with chimes and flute. You can push me away all you like, Kai, but nothing can make me stop loving you. With your face before me, no ice is cold enough to freeze my heart. And this love of mine is strong enough to warm your heart, too. Through any kind of danger I will search the wide world through And I must not let your heart forget All the love I feel for you [GERDA slowly approaches KAI and kisses him.] Percussion: Chimes, or some other tinkling sound KAI: Gerda! I feel so strange! GERDA: The ice around your heart is melting. Quick! Let's leave this awful place! Act II, scene v C [The SNOW QUEEN enters] SNOW QUEEN: What's this? KAI: I ... I was just experimenting with another way of seeing things... GERDA: Don't let her enchant you again, Kai! Remember your heart! Remember me, and your mother! and Grandfather! KAI: Mother? Grandfather? I can't quite remember... SNOW QUEEN: Ah yes, the heart is vague, but the mind is powerful. GERDA: My heart's memories are strong! Strong enough for all your frozen logic. SNOW QUEEN: Even you, Gerda, cannot quite remember everything, can you, my dear? GERDA: I remember quite well! [She thrusts each memory at the SNOW QUEEN like a sword, and the Snow Queen recoils] The roses blooming in our roof garden. The winter stories Grandfather tells us, as the fire warms our little room. The good friends who have always helped us. KAI: [He begins to remember] The cobblestone streets where we play in the spring! The long hill behind the school where we go sledding in winter! GERDA: [encouraging him] Your book of brave knights and valiant ladies. The box where you keep the treasures we find. SNOW QUEEN: It can't all be so sweet and wonderful! KAI: [slowly, falling under the spell again]: The time I feel off my sled. The day my good friend Hans moved away... SNOW QUEEN: Surely you don't want to go back to that dangerous world, Kai. GERDA: Sometimes it is sad. Very sad. And sometimes it's wonderful. You can't have one without the other. But that's no reason to give them both up! KAI: Living in the world of the mind is safe, but ... it's very empty. SNOW QUEEN: It will be very empty if you leave it. GERDA: Kai! Don't let her trick you! Let's go before she casts some icy spell on you again. KAI: But, Gerda--she's so sad. Can't we... GERDA: Is that true? Can you feel, as we do? SNOW QUEEN: All my careful work to rid myself of emotion -- and now those terrible feelings are creeping back in. Sorrow, loneliness ... how do you humans bear it? KAI: You could...come with us? Learn to live as we do. We would take care of you. SNOW QUEEN: No! I cannot bear it! Your emotions will overwhelm me and melt my power. Go, Kai. Go now and leave me... alone. [They embrace her, but she thrusts them away and, reluctantly, they exit.] Act II, scene vi NARRATOR: Back at home, the Grandfather and the children were decorating the town for the holidays. [The children, the MOTHER, and the GRANDFATHER are decorating the tree, hanging wreaths, etc. ] ALL: (Reprise of Jingle Jingle, in three parts.) GRANDFATHER: My dear, I have no heart for the holidays. MOTHER: Hush-don't upset the other children. We must try to keep the holidays bright for them. CHILD 1: We miss Kai and Gerda, too. GRANDFATHER: They've been gone a long time. CHILD 2: Will they ever return? MOTHER: Gerda's love for Kai is strong. I know she will do all she can to find him. CHILD 3: Kai and Gerda have friends everywhere. Someone will help them to come home. MOTHER: I watch for them every night and every morning GRANDFATHER: What I wouldn't give to hear their sweet voices again. Percussion/music: Sleighbells. [From offstage, "Here We Come a-Caroling."] CHILD 3: I hear something. Someone outside is singing. [The children run to see who is coming.] GRANDFATHER: Children caroling? MOTHER: But all the children are here with us, so who can it be? [KAI and GERDA enter, leading as many of the characters as can be accommodated, given the doubling of roles, costume changes, and the need for some children onstage.] GERDA, KAI, and Friends: Here we come a caroling Among the trees so green Here we come a caroling A joy to be seen Love and joy come to you And to you good Christmas too And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year And God send you a Happy New Year GRANDFATHER: We welcome valiant Gerda And Kai, our loving friend And all the ones who helped them To reach this happy end. [Chorus] GERDA: Good morrow, sweet Grandfather! I hope we're not too late To wish you merry Christmas, and happy New Year's Day [Chorus] KAI: Dear friends, my heart is full tonight To think I came so near To losing all that matters-- The ones I hold so dear [Chorus] [The SNOW QUEEN appears. Singing stops, music becomes SNOW QUEEN theme, lighting dims, and everyone except the SNOW QUEEN freezes. Unnoticed, she observes the celebration, smiles, waves to the snow fairies, and snow begins to fall. She exits] CHILD: Look! It's snowing! Other CHILDREN: Hurray! A white Christmas! (etc.) ALL: So join us in our happiness Rejoice in dance and song By now you know the chorus So all can sing along [Chorus--with audience--segueing into "Don't Despair"] Costume Ideas All children can be dressed in a basic black costume--tights and a turtleneck. The turtleneck can have snaps on the shoulders for attaching sleeve-items. It may be best for them to be barefoot for all roles, since different style shoes can take away from the fairtytale quality--unless they can all get ballet-type slippers, or something like that. For the roles the children play, each character can have a headdress and sleeve component: i.e., the FLOWERS can have petal headdresses and leaf-sleeves. The SWALLOWS and the CROWs can have half-masks denoting beaks and feathers and wing-sleeves (however, the SWALLOWS must be easily distinguishable from the CROWs, for example in color). Perhaps the TROLLS could have tunics of some kind. The ROBBERS can have vests and bandanas, and the SLEDDERS can have scarves, mittens, and hats. The SNOWFLAKES should have white tunics and carry wands with snowflakes hanging from them on strings, like fishing poles For the major characters, the "human" characters can have more elaborate and realistic costumes. The NARRATOR could have a prop, for example, a big, old-fashioned book on a lectern at one side of the stage. GERDA, KAI, the ISLAND WOMAN, the SNOW QUEEN, the ROBBER GIRL, the PRINCE and PRINCESS, and the LAPP WOMAN should have realistic, period- type costumes. The CROW, SUN, and REINDEER's costumes should be less realistic and more minimal. For example, the REINDEER could wear a brown unitard and an antler headdress. The CROW could wear a black unitard and a beak half-mask. The SUN could wear a long gold cape and a headdress with rays. Character Requirements NARRATOR/GRANDFATHER Solo songs, reading, some lines. Is on the stage or near the stage the entire play. Vocal range: Eb to Ab . (Tenor) TROLLS Movement and pantomime, one ensemble song. Some trolls have lines. SLEDDERS One challenging group song and choruses of a few songs. A few lines and some movement. Vocal range: C to C. ROSES/FLOWERS Pantomime and comedy movement. Can sing along or not on two songs. Vocal range: C to B. SNOWFLAKES No lines, some movement. Same song as SLEDDERS. Vocal range: C to C. ROBBERS A few lines and one group song (mildly challenging); some movement, some comedy bits. Vocal range: C to C. KAI Several solo and duet songs. Should be able to sing a second part while someone else is singing melody. A fair number of lines. Vocal range: A to A. (Boy tenor) PRINCE A duet, One group song, some dancing, a few lines. GERDA A lot of lines--is onstage almost the entire play. A lot of solo, duet, and group songs. Should be able to sing a second part while someone else is singing melody. Vocal range: A to high Eb. (Mezzo- soprano) SNOW QUEEN Two challenging songs, some pantomime, a few lines. Vocal range: C to high G (Soprano) ISLAND WOMAN One solo song, some lines, a good comedic sense. Vocal range: C to D. (Mezzo-soprano) LAPP WOMAN One solo song, some lines, a good dramatic sense. SNOW GOOSE One solo song and vaudeville-style comedy routine. SUN and WIND: Dancers. CROW A fair amount of lines, one solo song, one song with group, a good comedic sense. Vocal range: Ab to Ab. (Boy tenor) REINDEER One solo song, some movement and some lines. Vocal range: Ab to Ab. (Boy tenor or girl alto) PRINCESS A few lines, a duet and a group song, a dance. ROBBER GIRL A fair amount of lines, some character work, two group songs (a little bit of solo work). SWALLOWS Movement, group songs, some lines. HENCH-CROWS Sing along with CROW and some pantomime. CROWETTES A 50's-style song with optional harmony. (c)1997, Libretto by Marcy Telles Music by Carol Frick The Snow Queen 12/28/97